Seven Sports Entertainment Activities in Ontario You Won’t Want to Miss Out On
Ontario is Canada's most populous province, a bustling place filled with culture that attracts visitors from around the world. If you are looking for things to do in Ontario, you are never short of options. For those seeking sports-based entertainment, there are countless ways to enjoy a sporting event in the province
Whether you are a sports fan or a sports bettor looking to watch live, entertaining professional sports, Ontario has options. Let’s look at some of the favourites for bettors and tourists who want to soak up Ontario’s sports scene.
Catch an NHL Game
There is nothing Canadians love more than hockey, and that is certainly the case in Ontario. Ontario sports enthusiasts love nothing more than taking in games for the province’s two teams, the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs. For Ontario sports betting enthusiasts, attending one of these events will create unforgettable memories.
Live wagering on the Leafs or Senators as they take on opposing teams is a dream come true for many. What makes it all the more exciting is that both teams appear solid this season, so the games should be competitive.
Watch the Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are the only Major League Baseball team in Canada, so the whole country supports them. They are a beloved favourite of people from Halifax to Vancouver, so visitors in Toronto will often head to the Rogers Centre to watch Canada’s team play. The Blue Jays struggled through a disappointing season last year, but they have been consistently competitive in the past.
There are few things more enjoyable than catching a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre on a warm summer day when the dome is open.
Visit the Toronto Raptors
Like the Blue Jays, the Toronto Raptors are the only National Basketball Association team in Canada. Basketball is one of the most popular sports on the planet, watched by people spanning the globe, and the Raptors have a worldwide fanbase.
This is doubly true after their shocking victory in the 2019 NBA Finals.
The Raptors play at Scotiabank Centre, one of Ontario's true entertainment hubs. Fans and bettors love nothing more than filling the seats of this bustling arena to watch the young, up-and-coming Raptors take on the rest of the league. Any visitor to Toronto should have this on their to-do list.
Take in a CFL Matchup
While Canada does not have any NFL teams, Canadians have built their own league, which is hugely popular within the country.
Ontario is a mecca for CFL fans, as it holds three of the league's teams: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Toronto Argonauts, and Ottawa Redblacks. Fans of these three teams enjoy a ferocious rivalry, and recently, the Argonauts and Redblacks squared off in the playoffs.
The CFL season ends in November, culminating in the Grey Cup. It is one of the iconic Canadian sporting events and is often held in one of the three Ontario cities.
Enjoy a Soccer Game
Soccer is the most popular sport on the planet for betting, playing, and watching. Canada has typically not excelled at soccer on the global stage, but recent years have changed that. Soccer has taken off in Canada and is only growing more popular.
The most popular local team in Ontario is Toronto FC, a squad that competes in Major League Soccer. TFC is a talented group with a burgeoning history, and they compete against squads that include players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Soccer in Ontario will only become more popular when the World Cup arrives in 2026.
Go to the Horse Races
One of the favourite activities for bettors and sports fans around the world is to attend horse races. Watching horse races is a thrilling experience that attracts people of all ages, and wagering on the races adds an element of fun. Ontario allows for horse racing wagering and has great settings for fans of this kind of sport.
There are numerous popular places in the province for horse racing enthusiasts. Ajax Downs, Woodbine Racetrack, and Grand River Raceway are just some of the many destinations where visitors can catch adrenaline-inducing high-speed racing events.
Spectate at a Lacrosse Game
Everyone knows that hockey is Canada’s national sport, but did you know the country has two? The second is lacrosse, and this is a sport that is surging in popularity across the nation.
Lacrosse is a hugely exciting sport to watch, and if you are in Ontario, you won’t want to miss out on catching a game. The National Lacrosse League is the most popular league for the sport, and it features two Ontario-based teams: the Toronto Rock and the Ottawa Black Bears.
The games for the NLL tend to be rowdy and exciting, as lacrosse is a fast-paced and bruising game, much like hockey.